Farmers Classic defending champion and local favorite Sam Querrey managed to survive his quarterfinal encounter with veteran Ranier Schuettler 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4). Schuettler served for the match twice but it was aggressive play from Querrey that helped give him the edge in the tight third set.

“I wanted to be aggressive but I wanted to wait for the right ball. That’s the game I want to play. I want to step up and rip some forehands and take some chances and if I have a few errors on the forehand side then that’s ok.”

Querrey still had serving problems only serving 56% for the match just as he did in his first round win over Kevin Anderson. But aside from battling with his serve, Querrey admitted to battling himself on court as well. “I was a mental headcase out there (jokes). I mean if you could have heard the things I was saying to myself.” Calling himself “Debbie Downer”, he admitted he doesn’t always relish fighting through a tough match. “It’s like get me off the court. I don’t want to be here.”

Querrey, who gives off a relaxed California vibe, can be quite candid at times about his moods as he did during his early round loss at the French Open this year. Querrey reiterated that he’s trying to stay positive on court although it didn’t sound very convincing. “I’m going to try,” he said with a wishful tone and a grin.

Querrey hopes he finds both his serve and a better attitude when he takes on Janko Tipsarevic in the semifinal tomorrow. Tipsarevic defeated Marcos Baghdatis earlier today 6-3, 7-5.